Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist: For Mom & Baby - Onsurity (2024)

As a new mother, you spend months and days waiting for the day you get to hold your baby. You set up the nursery, strap in the car seat, and stock up on formula and diapers, preparing for the birth of your little bundle of joy. Wait, have you forgotten something? What about your maternity hospital bag?

But what should you pack is the real question! Most experienced parents will tell you to pack everything you will need, but then you do run the risk of packing too many items. So, let’s take a look at the top maternity hospital bag checklist to get ready for all expecting mothers.

Also, Read: Pregnancy Planning for Healthy Baby

When it comes to delivering a baby, time is quite critical. You can always choose when to pack your hospital bags so that you have the freedom to repack or add more items. Your hospital bag checklist will include goods you desire based on your taste and preferences.

However, it’s important to pack early if you’re a woman with a high-risk pregnancy – possibly as early as 35 weeks. In other cases, you can pack between 37-38 weeks.

Again, there are no such rules as to when you can pack your hospital bag. You can get a jump start on things and even pack earlier than 35 weeks. But remember not to leave it for later than 38 weeks.

Related Read: Maternity Leave in India

Mothers who give birth vagin*lly or known as “Normal Delivery” typically must spend one or two days in the hospital. You may need to remain for three or four days if you are having a c-section. Depending on the length of your stay, you will need to make your hospital bag checklist.

Pro tip: For all mothers, here’s a good packing tip: Ask your hospital what they will be providing you and take those things off your maternity hospital bag checklist.

• Photo ID, hospital form, insurance details, birthing plan (if you have one).

• Eyeglasses (if you do wear them).

• Charger and cell phone: Bring your normal USB charger cable and a portable power bank.

• 2-3 pairs of non-skid socks: These are useful while walking the halls before and after delivery.

• A warm sweater or robe: Make sure that you have one that you do not need at home.

• Sugar-free candy: To help keep your mouth moist during labor.

• Non-perishable snacks: This is based entirely on your preferences.

• Maternity bras: Buy maternity bras without an underwire for this occasion. It’ll give you the necessary support and leak prevention even when you’re not nursing.

• Toiletries: A toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, face wash, headband or rubber bands, moisturizer, shampoo, and conditioner should be included.

• Clothes: Pack lightweight clothes and some comfortable maternity clothes to wear in the hospital.

Suggested Read: What is C-section Delivery and What to Expect?

Once you have all the essentials packed as per your maternity hospital bag checklist, you might have some more space to pack some optional items.

Here are some other things you must consider carrying:

• Magazines and newspapers to read while you wait.
• Headphones or earbuds to listen to your favourite playlist.
• Hairdryer and bath towel to help make your first bath post-delivery easier.
• A diffuser with your favorite essential oils.
• A couple of pairs of maternity underwear.
• Pillows – one to help you feel comfortable while breastfeeding.

• Sleepwear: you will need some comfortable sleepwear during your stay in the hospital. Choose soft, loose nightwear with a front open style in case you choose to breastfeed.

• Maternity pads: Hospitals will provide you with some of it but you will need to carry some maternity pads as well. You might bleed a lot after the delivery, and maternity pads absorb better than normal ones.

• Extra innerwear: Hospitals might give you innerwear, but you will need to pack multiple pairs. Also, add some nursing bras that are front open.

• Handouts and reference books: You can have some handouts from your prenatal classes or reference books to read for post-delivery care. You will also receive guidance from doctors and nurses in the hospital as well.

Also, Read: 6 Tips for Going Back to Work After Baby

• Clothes and hats: Pick multiple sets of clothes and hats in different sizes to make sure that they fit your baby.

• Approved car seat: Choose a car seat in advance and set it up in your car.

• Warm blankets: While having a monogrammed blanket is not essential, you can buy a few soft ones to cover your baby when coming back from the hospital.

• Diapers: The hospital will be providing you with diapers, but it is best to buy a few more and keep them ready just in case.

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• Change of clothes: If they plan to stay with you in the hospital, then it is best to give them a change of clothes. This should include some night clothes as well.

• Toiletries: You can carry a face wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, and even a blanket and pillow for travel.

• Daily prescriptions: Keep these in hand for both you and your partner.

Quick Read: 6 Common Health Problems During Pregnancy

Before you go in to deliver your baby, you will have to finish your paperwork with all your medical history and doctor’s prescriptions. But it is better to carry your paperwork as well.

Also, Read: Top 6 Nutrient-Rich Foods During Pregnancy

You can always carry your favorite snacks and water, but it is best not to carry too much food with you. Hospitals do provide you with nutritious food, and you might not even get a chance to eat all your snacks.

Also, Read: Maternity Health Insurance

As a part of your maternity journey, having an insurance partner who is constantly supporting you is very important. With the right healthcare company, you can get the best hospital stay with constant medical support throughout your journey.

So, why not choose the best? Choose Onsurity! We provide multiple benefits for expecting mothers, such as telecommunication support with specialists, discounted medicine delivery services, discounted health checkups and physical and mental wellness checks as well.

With your delivery hospital bag checklist ready, you are now well-prepared before you go into the hospital. In the end, what matters is what you need and your personal requirements. Try making your own list of things that you want to carry that relate to your wellness and comfort.

But, in case you forget something – do not worry – these things happen. You can always ask someone to pick it up for you or buy it from the nearest store. Just remember that whatever you need is already available in the hospital, and the biggest gift of all is your baby!